Pilot training academy continues to grow at Waterford Airport
AFTA pilot instructors and pilot cadets on Runway 03 at Waterford Regional Airport. Photo: Ray Leahy/Cquent.ie
The Atlantic Flight Training Academy (AFTA), Ireland’s largest flight training academy, who operate out of Cork and Waterford Airports, have generated €35 million to the regional economy, according to a new report.
Since AFTA’s first flight at Waterford Airport in 2018, the base has been used for pilot training, search and rescue operations, national aerial survey flights and business jet flights, and is a crucial centre of excellence for trainee pilots.
The new ‘Economic & Social Impact Report’ shows that the Cork headquartered AFTA has made a significant economic contribution to the regional economy in Munster, generating €35m for Cork and Waterford, as well as supporting growth across the entire Munster region, through job creation, tourism development, international (airline) partnerships, investment in sustainable aviation, as well as having positive social and cultural benefits for the wider community.
Direct impact represents the immediate spending by the flight school, including salaries, VAT contributions, and regionally sourced direct operational costs.
Indirect impact arises from the flight school’s engagement with local suppliers and service providers, spending on goods and services, economic stimulation through supply chain activities, increased business for industries, such as aircraft maintenance, long-term accommodation providers and fuel suppliers.
Speaking on the report, Minister of State for Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, said that operations at both the Cork and Waterford facilities will continue to grow.
“As a Corkman and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, I am impressed to see that AFTA’s operations, from pilot training and aircraft maintenance to fuel supply, are deeply embedded in Cork, as well as across the Munster regional economy, with a significant reliance on local and national suppliers to sustain its world class facilities and creating local jobs for our communities in Cork and Waterford.
“I understand that this year alone AFTA will employ an additional 15 staff at its Cork and Waterford facilities, bringing its total headcount as an SME to 85."
Captain Mark Casey, AFTA Founder, CEO and Head of Training, said this week that AFTA's relationship with Cork and Waterford Airports "has never wavered".
